​Thembisa Shologu
Department of Transport and Roads Infrastructure together with leaders from taxi associations on Wednesday held a remembrance ceremony paying respect to victims of COVID-19 and gender-based violence at the Bosman Taxi rank.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa made a call that from 25 to 29 November, the nation should embark on five days of mourning for the victims of COVID-19and gender-based violence.
"One of the best ways to honour the memory of those who have departed due to COVID-19 is to vow to never let our guard down in an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus," said MEC Jacob Mamabolo.
Addressing the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance leaders, MEC Mamabolo urged the taxi industry to continue to comply with the basic protocols of COVID-19 and be extra cautious during the festive season due to expected volumes of movement in and out of the province. 
"We are appealing to the taxi industry to comply with COVID-19 and law enforcement regulations, refrain from taxi violence and to make sure they protect themselves and commuters against COVID-19," said Mamabolo. 
In his capacity as acting MEC for Health, Mamabolo proceeded to the Tshwane District Hospital where he held an engagement with health workers.
In Gauteng 4989 people have died as a result of COVID-19 with Gauteng Department of Health having lost 45 employees to date.
"The health workers who died did not die in vain. They lost their lives in the line of duty, working hard to ensure that we minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We owe them a debt of gratitude and we need to continue working hard to stop the spread of Coronavirus in their honour," said Mamabolo.